Acute Effects of Intermittent Versus Continuous Bilateral Ankle Plantar Flexor Static Stretching on Postural Sway and Plantar Pressures: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Journal of Clinical Medicine

JoseIgnacio Díaz-Velázquez¹  Patricia Palomo-López²  David Rodríguez-Sanz³  Ricardo Becerro-De-Bengoa-Vallejo³  EvaMaría Martínez-Jiménez³  MartaElena Losa-Iglesias⁴  César Calvo-Lobo⁵  Daniel López-López⁶ 

[1] Departament of Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Premium Madrid, Madrid 28017, Spain;Department of Nursing, University Center of Plasencia, University of Extremadura, Plasencia 10600, Spain;Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain;Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón 28922, Spain;Nursing and Physical Therapy Department, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad de León, Ponferrada 24401, León, Spain;Research, Health and Podiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences. Faculty of Nursing and Podiatry, Universidade da Coruña, Ferrol 15403, Spain;

关键词: muscle stretching exercise;    postural balance;    stabilometry;    platform;   

DOI  :  10.3390/jcm8010052

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Background: Postural balance and fall efficacy (self-perceived confidence in performing daily physical activities) have been found to be risk factors associated with falls in older adults. Stretching is one intervention that has been investigated to improve balance and therefore reduce fall risk. Various forms of stretching have been evaluated with different outcomes, but there is a lack of knowledge about the effect of stretching (continuous and intermittent) on plantar pressures and balance. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of stretching (continuous and intermittent) of the bilateral ankle plantar flexors on plantar pressures and static balance. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was carried out. Forty-eight healthy subjects (42 females and 6 males) were recruited in an outpatient clinic. Subjects were randomly assigned to an intermittent stretching group (five sets of 1 min; 15 s of rest) or a continuous stretching group (2 min of continuous stretching) of the plantar flexors. Plantar pressures and balance using stabilometry were measured before and after stretching. Results: There were significant differences between intermittent and continuous stretching in rearfoot maximum pressure, forefoot surface area, and center of pressure surface area with eyes open. Conclusions: Bilateral intermittent stretching of the ankle plantar flexors was found to be more effective than continuous stretching for the reduction of rearfoot maximum pressure and improved balance.

【 授权许可】

Unknown